Northern Lights Visible Across 20 US States, Including Michigan
On the night of Thursday, November 6, residents in up to 20 U.S. states may witness a strong display of the northern lights, weather permitting. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the aurora borealis could be visible from late Thursday night into the early morning of Friday, November 7, with another possible viewing opportunity Friday night.
Viewing Details for Michigan
In Michigan, the northern lights might be visible overhead as far south as Traverse City, Gaylord, and Alpena. The viewing line, where the lights could appear on the northern horizon, could extend into northern Ohio and Indiana. This wider visibility is due to a moderate geomagnetic storm triggered by solar eruptions that sent charged particles toward Earth's magnetic field earlier in the week.
Geomagnetic Storm and Kp Index
NOAA forecasts a G3 geomagnetic storm, a significant disturbance in Earth's magnetic field, expected to produce a Kp index of 7. The Kp index measures the severity of geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. An index of 5 or higher usually means the northern lights can be seen in Michigan and surrounding areas.
"A G3 geomagnetic storm, a worldwide disturbance of Earth's magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp index of 7." — NOAA
When to Look
- The northern lights may start appearing late Thursday night, November 6.
- Visibility may continue into early morning Friday, November 7.
- A second possible appearance could occur during the night of Friday, November 7.
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are caused by charged particles from solar eruptions interacting with Earth's magnetic field, creating dazzling light displays in the night sky.
Author's Summary: A strong geomagnetic storm this week could make the northern lights visible as far south as Michigan and neighboring states from November 6 into the following nights.